A Guide to Buying Timber Windows

Timber Windows - A Buyers Guide

Timber windows offer a stylish and natural appearance that enhances your home's beauty. They are easy to maintain, long-lasting, and provide excellent insulation. Being environmentally friendly, timber windows help conserve energy by keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. These advantages make timber windows a top choice for those seeking premium windows. Here’s what you should know before deciding if timber windows are suitable for you.

What Are Timber Windows?

Timber windows are crafted from wood, a natural material known for its durability, beauty, and ease of maintenance. These windows offer excellent insulation, can be customized to fit your home, and are eco-friendly. Timber windows complement any property style, whether traditional or modern. They are available in styles such as single or double-hung, casement, tilt-turn, or sliding sash.

The Environmental Advantages of Timber Windows Over Aluminium and uPVC

Timber windows are more eco-friendly than uPVC and aluminium windows. While it is expected that timber windows are more environmentally friendly, we were still surprised by the findings. Over the lifespan of timber products, they have a significantly positive impact in terms of Carbon Dioxide equivalent and energy usage. This is achieved through long-term Carbon sequestration in the timber, reduced energy consumption due to high performance, low maintenance needs over a long lifespan, and relatively easy recovery at the end of life. Our suppliers have also made extensive efforts to ensure their workshops and manufacturing processes are as eco-friendly as possible, contributing to these results.

Some timber windows do not perform as well because the wood is not as durable, and the manufacturing process is less environmentally conscious. However, this result is minimal compared to the highly damaging extraction, energy-intensive manufacturing processes, and relatively low recycling rates of Aluminium and uPVC windows.

Longevity and Quality: The Advantages of Timber Windows Over Alternatives

Timber windows crafted by reputable companies focused on quality and durability can last over 70 years with relatively low maintenance. The use of modern, treated timbers that resist water and seasonal expansion and contraction greatly extends their lifespan. Additionally, we apply microporous paints and varnishes that prevent water penetration while allowing the wood to breathe and dry.

In contrast, low-quality softwood or uPVC windows typically offer only a 10-20 year lifespan, with some performing even worse. Often, during the last years of these windows' lifespan, efficiency decreases as seals begin to fail and frames lose their shape, leading to drafts and leaks.

Should You Consider Timber Windows?

For those seeking high quality windows, timber windows are an excellent option. They boast natural beauty and a classic appearance, making them ideal for anyone desiring a traditional look. Additionally, they are easy to maintain and offer various options to accommodate different budgets. These advantages make timber windows a superb choice for anyone in search of a premium window.

Timber windows have few drawbacks. Even their higher cost is balanced by their longevity compared to other window types.

Enhance Energy Efficiency with Timber Windows

Timber windows are an excellent choice for energy efficiency. Suitable for any climate, they help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, especially when paired with highly efficient double glazing or vacuum glass.

Timber windows are energy-efficient, reducing your energy consumption and your carbon footprint. Their base material is more thermally efficient than other window types, making them warmer to the touch and minimizing condensation build-up. This can reduce your heating and cooling costs while promoting environmental friendliness.

Preserving Authenticity in Older and Listed Buildings

Timber windows are ideal for older structures as they align closely with the original design. In certain cases, such as with Listed Buildings or those in conservation areas, windows must closely resemble the original ones. These are often referred to as Heritage Windows. Heritage Windows are unique because they usually feature much narrower double glazing compared to standard windows to maintain authenticity. The previously mentioned super-efficient Vacuum Glazing is perfect for this type of window due to its exceptionally slim profile among double-glazed windows.

A Durable and Low-Maintenance Solution

Many people assume that timber windows require more upkeep than plastic or aluminium ones, but this isn't necessarily true.

Timber windows crafted from modern materials like Accoya® and Red Grandis, and finished with modern paints, can provide long-lasting service with minimal maintenance. These modern woods don't expand or contract as much as traditional timbers, reducing stress on the paint or varnish, which makes them less prone to splitting or cracking. Cracks in the paint can shorten the lifespan of timber windows by allowing water to seep in, which causes the wood to rot. In winter, the water freezes, damaging the wood fibres and accelerating deterioration. Besides internal damage, cracked and blistered paint looks unsightly and requires extensive work to maintain its appearance.

Using modern microporous paints with treated woods minimizes expansion and contraction, keeping moisture out while allowing the timber to breathe. Consequently, the paint rarely cracks, and the wood is more resistant to water penetration. This ensures that a well-constructed window made from these materials can last over 70 years with minimal maintenance and occasional recoating.

Our timber windows come with a 10-year warranty.

Conclusion

Timber windows provide a long-lasting and eco-friendly option to enhance the look of your home. They represent a wise investment that will endure for a lifetime and come with numerous advantages. If you're considering adding timber windows to your home, it's beneficial to take the time to learn more about them!

Are You Considering Timber Windows? Start Your Quote Today.

Take action now to enhance the character and thermal efficiency of your home. Contact our team at 01945 880091 or fill out our online contact form for more information.

For a more personal touch, visit our showroom. We welcome you 5 days a week, Monday to Friday, between 7 am and 5 pm to receive expert advice.